How is Michigan known as the ” heartland of the U.S. auto industry”? Well, for one, it’s the center of car manufacturing in the United States. But more than that, it was the site of the original Auto Union – one of the first major car companies in the United States to create worker-owned companies – and it was home to the first fully automated traffic signal system in the United States in 1936. It was also where the world’s first internal combustion engine was invented in 1885. And though it may be known primarily for its automotive industry, people love to vacation in Michigan for its camping, beaches, fishing, boating, and sight seeing.
Michigan is Known As A Great Place to Visit
What are some of the best vacation spots in Michigan? Some say it’s forests, rivers, and hiking trails. Others mention its historic sites and beautiful architecture. One thing that is consistent about all these things is that they are some of the best in the world. As the automotive capital of the world, Michigan is a great place to explore on the road. Michigan has 22 astonishing scenic byways to explore on your next adventure. Visitors who get to visit these places often describe them as being beautiful, special, and worth every minute of their time.
Maybe you’ve heard it said that the best state in which to raise a family in Michigan. The state offers a multitude of opportunities for outdoor activities, striving as it does to be both romantic and stately. There is a reason why the state is home to some of the most popular and longest-standing pageants and musical theatre festivals in the nation; it simply has something about it that draws people in. The culture is unique and substantial; it’s what gives the state its charm. It’s impossible to deny the fact that there is something charming about a Michigan winter; yet if you venture outside during those brief, warm spells, what could you find but top-notch cuisine, a bustling urban scene, cold drinks, and gorgeous beaches?
Battle Creek is Michigan’s best-kept secret. When people think of Michigan they really think of Battle Creek and its cereal capital. Home of both Kellogs and Post. Battle Creek is the oldest continuously operating community in Michigan with a population of about 130,000 located in southwest Michigan and within a few hours drive from Chicago.
To Vacation in Michigan Vacation Means Well Past Summer
Who says you have to go where the weather is warm to have fun? As the saying goes, “when the sun is shining, it’s definitely fun!” When it comes to enjoying fall colors in Michigan, it’s important to know where to go and what to expect. We found 11 Sites To See Along M-25 for a Michigan Fall Color Tour. Whether you’re looking for a great Michigan State University football game or checking out one of the state’s many wineries, you can look forward to basking in the sun at some of the best times of year here in the state.
People will travel miles to visit Michigan’s beaches and view its unusual architecture, natural landscapes, and historic cities. These attractions form one of the most identifiable attractions throughout the state. Thousands of people visit each year for spring break, summer holidays, or simply for the thrill of outdoor activities.
People from all over come to visit the world-famous Michigan State Parks with their lakes, forests, and waterfalls. But although the natural beauty of this part of the world draws many visitors, many don’t realize that this region is also some of the most industrialized and developed in the United States. Visitors discover and explore Michigan through its scenic roads, famous and historic hotels, and the many entertainment options within its borders.
Michigan’s Two State Parks in The Thumb
Michigan has an exceptional system of state parks that are all over the state. Two of these parks; Sleeper State Park and Port Crescent State Park site on miles of sandy shoreline on Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron.
Port Crescent State Park
Port Crescent State Park is one of the largest state parks in southern Michigan. Located at the tip of Michigan’s “thumb” along three miles of sandy shoreline of Lake Huron Saginaw Bay, the park offers excellent fishing, canoeing, hiking, cross-country skiing, birding, and hunting opportunities.
It’s a popular tourist destination, and with its designation as a Dark Sky preserve, it gets stargazers every clear summer evening. However, a little-known aspect of this park is that it sits on the location of a Michigan ghost town.
Today little remains of the former Michigan ghost town. Some say the concrete foundations of the original buildings are still under the forest floor. However, after tromping around much of the surrounding area, I can say nothing is visible. In the organization’s area, just east of the campground entrance, a bit of foundation remains where a structure stood. A historical marker and a kiosk are outlining the tale of Port Crescent.
Albert E. Sleeper State Park
Sleeper State Park was the first state park in the Thumb. With an excellent beach and campsites, it has been a place to camp and visits for over 95 years. Visitors can watch both sunrises and sunsets on Saginaw Bay, relax in the shade and seclusion of the campground or roam the trails of the ancient dune forests. It’s one of the most widely visited parks in Southeast Michigan. Yet still contains amazing secrets.
Driving by the park, visitors immediately see the day-use picnic and beach area along the shoreline and the extensive 226 site campground across M-25 from the beach. That is a small slice of the park. Sleeper State Park has over 700 acres of wetlands, an ancient dune forest, a half-mile of beautiful sandy beach, and natural dunes guarding the shore.
Glamping On the Beach at Sleeper State Park
Sleeper State Park has arranged with a camping outfitter that offers people a more private and comfortable camping experience. It’s called “glamping”. Glamping is a concept where nature meets a bit of spacious luxury. A fusion of the words glamour and camping or “glamping” is a way to authentically experience a bit of remote rustic camping in unique locations.
The outfitter, Tentrr sets up prime secluded sites with a large platformed walled canvas tent containing a queen-sized cot or bunk bed, and a wood stove. Your camp is supplied with tables, benches, Adirondack chairs, and a campsite fire pit. Your on-site water supply and a sun shower round out the other amenities to make for an extremely comfortable outdoor experience. There are currently 15 secluded wooded and one beachside site available.
The glamping experience is new to Michigan’s Albert E. Sleeper State Park and Highland Recreation Area starting the summer of 2020. More information about the Sleeper-Safari Tent program is on their website.
Hiking and Mountain Biking at Sleeper State Park
One of the parks’ best-kept secrets is the extensive trail system located just south of the campground. Over four miles of marked trails are available for hiking, cross country skiing, (Which is groomed in the winter), and mountain biking.
The park has four marked trails; Candlestick Trail is short at just over a half a mile, and it connects to the other parts of the trail system. The Deer Run Trail is a 2-mile loop, the longest of the trails that run through the park. The trailhead is located on State Park Road near the outdoor center, kitchen, and dining area on the south-eastern side of the park. Hiking, mountain biking, and cross country skiing are allowed. The Huron Trail is about a quarter of a mile and connects the Candlestick Trail to the Deer Run Trail.
Michigan Is Great Place to Live
When looking for the best places to live in Michigan, visitors often think of the natural beauty and great weather. Many also list fishing as a reason for moving there. Many people have a favorite spot or spot they visit regularly that they would like to highlight when listing places they want to visit. All you really need to do is focus on the places that have had a significant impact on the tourism industry. This will help you find natural places that people go to simply to enjoy being outdoors.
In today’s economy, finding good jobs is easier said than done. Unemployment is historically low in Michigan at 4.2 percent and has been so for years. More people found jobs in 2010 than in 2001, and more than 500,000 people are now employed in the state. Michigan has a reputation as a good place to raise a family, and with good schools and universities providing affordable educational opportunities, many families choose to settle down here.
Because of its size, Michigan is often overlooked as a great state to live in. That is until you start considering what makes it great. From the great winter sports in the winter, to the great food and wine made nearby, Michigan is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy their winters. For foodies looking for locally crafted products, the best places to eat in Michigan are in the Grand Traverse region and the communities along the Lake Michigan shore.
Michigan Loves Christmas
Michigan is known for being the state with the highest number of decorated Christmas trees during the holiday season. While it might seem like a fun activity for residents, many wonder how it translates into economic growth in the form of new jobs. The outlook for 2014 is looking up as more businesses are committing to expanding their Michigan operations and attracting new talent with improved living conditions and economic opportunities.
